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Apollo Bay is on the lands of the Gadubanud People, part of Eastern Maar Nation, which has a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of environmental values.
Redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Harbour precinct has taken a huge step forward, with the final precinct plan and draft building designs released to the public. Key improvements include revitalising the harbour area, enhancing public access to the coastline and growing the working port and local economy.
Between 8 and 24 September, we invite you to explore the draft designs for the redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct which respond directly to the feedback and ideas shared by the community during our engagement in May/June 2025.
Learn more about the project, and ways to explore the draft designs below.
Building and site designs
Explore the draft building and site designs for the precinct. Engagement is open from 8 to 24 September.
Stay informed
We are excited to share the building and concept designs for the Apollo Bay Harbour with you. This phase is all about sharing information – we want to provide clear details about the initial designs and answer any questions you have.
These designs deliver what is outlined in the Precinct Plan, which was shaped by your feedback and community input earlier this year. Your voices have already helped create what you'll see, and now we want to make sure everyone understands the designs and the decisions behind them.
What you can do
- View the designs: Browse our virtual design gallery from 8 - 24 September to explore the designs at your own pace.
- Get the details: This is your chance to learn why decisions were made, what has changed since the draft Precinct Plan, and how your community input is reflected in these designs.
- Ask questions: We encourage you to ask us anything about the designs. Every question helps us understand what needs more explanation and ensures everyone gets clear, consistent information.
- Join us for a conversation:
- In person: Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op, Friday 12 September, 11am–3pm, and Apollo Bay Foreshore Market, Saturday 13 September, 9am–12pm
- Online: Wednesday 17 September, 12pm–1pm or 5:30pm–6:30pm (register here to receive the link)
All questions asked during this period will be compiled into a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource, which will be shared early October to keep the whole community informed.
In short: This stage is about sharing information, answering your questions, and ensuring the community is confident about what’s ahead.
Final Precinct Plan for the Apollo Bay Harbour
The Precinct Plan has been finalised and responds to the extensive feedback received through consultation.
It recognises the importance of the precinct and the way the different elements work and interact.
While it has been designed as a stand-alone document, it should be read in conjunction with documents produced earlier in the process which include:
The Precinct Plan contains 50 actions and opportunities to improve the values and functionality of the Harbour Precinct. It is intended to be concise and includes:
- An introduction which briefly explains key features and the way the precinct functions.
- An outline of the key challenges facing the precinct and main issues received in feedback.
- A series of theme-based strategic directions, actions and opportunities to improve the precinct. These themes include:
- A working harbour
- Commercial and tourism activities
- Public realm
Download the Precinct Planhere.
Project overview
Improvements to the Apollo Bay Harbour will provide an enhanced visitor experience and broaden the commercial and recreational opportunities in the precinct. In June 2023, we were provided $10.19 million. This will
deliver:
- Upgrades and minor extension to the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative building to accommodate an improved commercial offering, including the return of the wet fish market, and visitor experience with an improved outdoor terrace which provides additional space and seating.
- Construction of enhanced public open spaces including a new public viewing deck extending over the Port Operations Depot roof.
- Improvements to the existing Port Operations Depot including facilities which create a safer workplace and provide greater visual access to the working harbour and slipway.
- Maximise public carparking at the Mother's Beach carpark and provide improved pedestrian and transport connections around the Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct.
The $10.19 million represents the balance of available funding transferred to us after accounting for project expenditure incurred by Colac Otway Shire Council. We thank and acknowledge Council for their work on the project prior to us taking over in 2023.
The Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project will revitalise the Apollo Bay Harbour precinct, providing safer and more equitable public access to the coastline and available recreational activities as well as improved public use and amenity. The redevelopment will also improve the safety and operations of commercial activities, including fishing, and industrial uses in the precinct and provide benefits for the economy through both tourism and operational enhancements.
The precinct will be redeveloped holistically with a consideration to the heritage, character, and connectivity of the area and its varied uses. This includes consideration of Eastern Maar Cultural Heritage and Values.
Project Library:
Find out more about the planning pathway for Apollo Bay Harbour
Planning Pathway 52.30
We are committed to keeping you informed and involved throughout the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment. Your feedback has already shaped the final Precinct Plan, and we will continue sharing updates and answering questions as the project moves through detailed design. Transparency and ongoing engagement are important to ensure the redevelopment reflects both community values and legislative requirements.
How Apollo Bay Harbour will be assessed
Apollo Bay Harbour (alongside the Point Grey and Kennett River projects) will go through a specific planning approval process called Clause 52.30 State Projects.
What this means
- The Department of Transport and Planning will assess the project on behalf of the Minister for Planning
- All projects must still meet strict planning laws, environmental standards and community consultation requirements
- This pathway allows for timely decisions on significant regional projects while maintaining thorough assessment
Staying transparent
We believe transparency is essential. This planning pathway ensures the Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment meets both community values and legal requirements while moving the project forward efficiently.
Want to know more?
For further information about how Clause 52.30 works for Point Grey and other Geelong City Deal projects, download the Clause 52.30 State Projects Planning Pathway Info Sheet
The Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project has evolved significantly since its inception as part of the 2020 Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo Community Infrastructure Plan.
Initially led by Colac Otway Shire Council (COS), early planning involved extensive community and stakeholder engagement through drop-in sessions, reference groups, online consultations, and targeted discussions. This resulted in the development of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan (2020), which provided a strategic framework to guide future harbour improvements.
Following the announcement of Geelong City Deal funding in 2020, COS progressed early concept designs and consulted the community on proposals including upgraded car parking, improved pedestrian connections, a new waterfront promenade, an expanded Fishermen’s Cooperative building, and a new Port Operations Depot. Broad community support was received for enhancing public access, improving harbour usability, and retaining the important role of the working harbour.
In early 2022, Geelong City Deal projects, including Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project, encountered delivery challenges. In response, the Geelong City Deal Implementation Committee undertook a collaborative review, recommending that the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) assume delivery responsibility for the project. This transfer was finalised in mid-2023.
GORCAPA has since progressed the project by refining the scope, completing independent reviews of the 2020 Development Plan, appointing Antarctica Architects as lead consultants, and establishing a Community Reference Group to ensure community voices are heard throughout the planning process.
Following the completion of an Opportunities and Constraints Report, A draft Precinct Plan, was available for community feedback.
Feedback gathered during this process informed the finalisation of the Precinct Plan which reflects both the harbour’s important working role and community aspirations for a vibrant, accessible precinct.
We are currently inviting the community to explore the final precinct plan alongside the draft building and site designs!
Community Engagement - Final Precinct Plan and draft building and site designs available for viewing (Ongoing).
Engagement on the final Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct Plan and draft building and site designs is currently underway from 8 to 24 September.
Please jump onto the online gallery to view the draft designs and ask any questions!
Community Engagement - Draft Precinct Plan (Completed)
Engagement on the draft Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct Plan was conducted between Wednesday 7 May until Sunday 1 June 2025.
Thank you for helping us shape this project by providing your feedback.
The Engagement Report and Engagement Snapshot are available for download.
Community Reference Group (Ongoing)
The CRG has been established and continues to share the community’s values and aspirations and consider how these can align with best practices in coastal infrastructure.
Independent Review (Completed)
We commissioned independent reviews of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020 (the Plan).
The reviews found that design amendments are needed to ensure current planning and environmental controls are met.
This provided clarity on what refinements may be required to further progress designs while ensuring the upgrades deliver for local businesses and community and meet overall project outcomes.
Appointment of Head Consultant (Completed)
The Authority has appointed a Head Consultant, Antarctica Architects, to lead the project into and beyond the next phase of planning and design.
In conjunction with the Authority, Antarctica Architects are working with key stakeholders to progress the delivery of the project by working towards key milestones such as preparing the precinct plan and architectural designs for key elements of the Harbour.
The Victoria’s Resilient Coast (VRC) Framework has guided the planning process for this site, supporting proactive and long-term coastal hazard risk management.
With climate change expected to increase exposure to coastal hazards—including intensified wave action, storm activity, and sea level rise—this framework provides a structured approach for assessing vulnerability and identifying appropriate adaptation responses.
The Fishermen's Co-Op and proposed depot upgrades are located within the harbour, offering protection from the open coast. This area is currently safeguarded by a seawall, although further investigation is required to determine its ongoing maintenance needs to ensure continued protection against erosion.
In contrast, the existing Mother's Beach car park area is more exposed and at greater risk of erosion, particularly when considering projected sea level rise.
The VRC Framework, combined with community values and objectives, has been central to evaluating adaptation options and shaping feasible pathways.
Adaptation measures have been carefully assessed to minimise unintended impacts on surrounding environments. This process has directly informed the strategic siting of infrastructure within the precinct, enabling us to maintain the area’s core values and functions into the future.
By applying this approach, we aim to support long-term resilience and sustainable use of the site—now and beyond 2100.
If you are interested in finding out more about coastal hazard risk management and adaptation, visit the Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ webpage.
Apollo Bay has a strong connection to recreation and access to the ocean, the Great Ocean Road and surrounding Otway National Park.
The Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct’s public uses are focused around the proximity to the water and fishing operations. Fishing, sailing, wildlife tours, whale watching and enjoying fresh seafood are among the key activities.
There’s public access to the lee breakwater from Mother's Beach car park to watch the boats and enjoy the harbour activities.
Point Bunbury has the sailing club, fish cleaning stations small jetties and a toilet. There is public open space, public parking and boat ramp and access point to three separate beach coves.
The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op is fronted by an outdoor public space and the whale watching platform, however the public use of this area is compromised by being shared with vehicles and commercial fishing and industrial operations.
Key precinct improvements identified:
- Upgraded Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative facilities
- Upgraded Port Operations Depot to support safe harbour management
- A new viewing deck (above the depot) with increased public open space
- New public amenities (attached to the upgraded depot)
- Upgrades to the Mother’s Beach car park
- New public access paths that connect the town centre, public realm / viewing deck, Mother's Beach, and Breakwater Road.
Download a copy of the FAQ here.
Prepared by Antarctica Architects, the Apollo Bay Harbour draft Precinct Plan and accompanying Opportunities and Constraints Report detailed the issues affecting the harbour and proposed improvements aimed at improving public access, safety, and the long-term functionality of this important working harbour.
The release followed independent reviews of the 2020 Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan, which recommended design changes to better align with current planning, operational and environmental requirements.
The Apollo Bay Harbour Opportunities and Constraints Report further outlines the key insights gathered from stakeholder consultations, government policies, spatial analysis, and expert technical input.
We have divided the report in three sections which you can download below.
Section 1: Introduction and Purpose
Section 3: Opportunities and Constraints
For a quick view: download a copy of the infographic here.
Timeline: 2023 - present
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Mid 2023
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) assume delivery responsibility for the project.
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Timeline item 2 - complete
Mid-2024
Lead consultant, Antarctica Architects, confirmed.
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Timeline item 3 - complete
Late 2024
Community Reference Group formed
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Timeline item 4 - complete
Early 2025
The draft Precinct Plan released for community feedback
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Timeline item 5 - active
Mid 2025
Final Precinct Plan released alongside draft building and site designs
Project location
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us:
| Phone | 1300 736 533 |
|---|---|
| haveyoursay@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au | |
| Website | www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/ |
